Originally Posted by
Ripinpeace
I see your point with the CJO pool piling up. Though, Delta saying Q3 2026 for class can be changed to Q4 2025 or Q2 2027 with a snap of their fingers. Again, my opinion, but I think Q3 2026 is acting as a placeholder until they “evaluate” 2026 staffing. Since they can’t commit to telling the public their hiring needs.
There’s just over 800 retirements between May 2025 and EOY 2026 or 4.5% of the current pilot group retiring. 20% of the seniority list will be retired in the next 5 years; 30% next 10 years (additional stats). The fleet is not stagnating or shrinking, it’s growing with WB’s & NB’s.
The 330 order-book is nearly dried up with approx. 5 more to go; I expect another order of 330’s coming soon. 350-1000’s deliveries start next year too alongside more 359’s. My educational guess is classes restart after this Summer in 25’ (September) to hire for those retirements + growth - Delta is not shrinking.
I agree. I think the tariff tantrum spooked Delta leadership some hence the ultra-conservative take (just like Covid). And just like Covid they're gonna end up behind the 8 ball and have to play catch up. But while it may still have some negative impacts on the economy most of the tariff stuff is turning out to be more bluster than actual long term policy. Even if we don't hire the rest of the year we will basically be flat since we pre-hired for the full year's worth of retirements. If we don't hire before summer 2026 then that summer will challenge summer of 19 for being run "a little hot"...